Market Commentary

Inflation has increased for the ninth straight month in July, bringing renewed pressure on the Central bank to tighten its monetary policy. Inflation may slow to between 8 percent and 9 percent by the end of the year if the central bank raises rates, while failure to tighten monetary policy may keep the inflation rate above 12 percent.

Brief Company Profile

Market Segment: Fixed Income SecuritiesSector: Preference Shares

Kenya Power and Lighting Company Limited is engaged in the transmission, distribution and retail of electricity purchased in bulk from Kenya Electricity Generating Company Limited (KenGen), Independent Power Producers (IPPs), Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL) and Tanzania Electric Supply Company Limited (TANESCO ). The Company operates in four regions: Nairobi, Coast, West Kenya and Mount Kenya. Its interconnected network of transmission and distribution lines covers around 56,797 kilometers. The Company’s key mandate is to plan for sufficient electricity generation and transmission capacity to meet demand; building and maintaining the power distribution and transmission network and retailing of electricity to its customers.

Kenya Power's performance over the years is attributable to rise in the number of customers, improved power supply, tariff reveiw and economic growth. The company is positioned in providing adequate generation, transmission and distribution capacity as a result of Kenya's rapid growth. Electricity demand will grow owing to increased economic activities including implementation of energy intensive projects; and through accelerated customer connections. The company strategy is focusing on system expansion, network upgrade, customer connectivity, and loss reduction. This has been done through the implementation of ongoing and planned substation projects and upgrading of the existing network to provide capacity for the growing number of customers as well as adopting strategies to improve system efficiency.